Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with coverletter

You really don't want a cover letter? Really?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:27:53 -0800

Has this job advertisement just been worded strangely, or do they really NOT want a cover letter for a specialized job opening? I'm about to apply to a specialized library position in a well-known museum's research center. It's a position that has a number of specific requirements, etc.

However! And this is the first time I've run into this in my field - they do NOT ask for a cover letter in the body of the advertisement for the job. The first sentence of the advertisement says "If interested, please follow the instructions found in the body of the posting." And then the end of the description notes, "To apply, send resume along with salary history and requirements to: [..address of institution..]"

In your experience, is a cover letter assumed to be required, as if it was part of the salary history and requirements? Or am I over-thinking this, and should send what they specifically ask for, and hope for the best?

Thanks in advance!

Good Resume Books

mjcon — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:40:58 -0800

I'm a career advisor looking to expand my collection of resume, cover letter or interviewing books and am looking for suggestions. I've got a pretty decent collection of books for individuals looking to build their first resume, and those looking for more entry level work. Because of all the layoffs in my area, I've started seeing a lot more mid-career professionals, people with strong educational backgrounds and lots of responsible work experience. I need materials or books that suit this population. Any suggestions of really helpful books or web resources?

Help me write a professional short story cover letter.

uans — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:34:08 -0800

Short story cover letters: How do I indicate I have actually read the journal I am submitting to , or do I do so, at all? I am a Canadian who wants to publish short fiction in the far larger market in the U.S. Every literary journal’s submission guidelines urge you to read at least one copy of their magazine before submitting. But even *if* I did buy a copy of every single interesting literary magazine out there—a very unlikely prospect-- what are the editors looking for in my cover letter that indicates that I have indeed read at least one edition of “Fiction Forever”? I feel that saying “my story has the same kind of ‘theme/realism/tension’ I enjoyed in Volume 1000 of Fiction Forever” sounds ….not right. The advice in Writer’s Market also feels somehow….not right. Do I really say “I think my writing has the ‘vitality/deep characterization/youthful daring’ you asked for in your description of yourself in Writer’s Market?” This certainly does not indicate I have actually read the journal, anyway. It only shows I've read Writer's Market.

How should I write my adjunct faculty cover letter?

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:21:39 -0800

I'm applying for an adjunct teaching position at a community college, but I only have experience with teaching elementary school students. I've also tutored high school students who are much closer in age to the students that I would be teaching at the CC, but the majority of my teaching experience comes from what I've done with the younger kids in schools and in art centers. I know that I have the necessary educational background to teach at the CC now, because the job posting says that candidates just need to have a master's degree in that language. It also says that teaching experience is preferred, not required, and while it doesn't specifically say that it has to be teaching experience in that language, the problem is that I've never taught the language before.

So now I'm trying to decide how to write my cover letter. I have plenty of great examples to use when explaining my teaching philosophy and approach, but these examples are all in the context of elementary school. Even though I've also tutored high school students, I don't really have as much to say about that experience because I was nowhere near as involved with determining the content and structure of the classroom as I was with my elementary school students. I've thought about what other factors could potentially be relevant in the CC setting, such as emphasizing group work in the study of the language, but other than that, I'm stuck.

I've read a few articles that discuss how to address the lack of teaching experience in a faculty cover letter. Most of them said that instead of writing about what you've already done, you would write about what you would do if you were in that teaching position. Fortunately, I can say what I've already done with my elementary school students. I've also thought about saying what I would do as a teacher of this language, based on my experience with studying it in college and grad school, but I'd just like to get some more input, especially from people who may have been in situations like this before.

Here's my question: What are some tactics that I can use in my cover letter to convince the search committee that my academic background and elementary school teaching experience make me qualified for this faculty position?

If you'd prefer to answer by email: anonymousadjunctmefi@gmail.com

Thanks!

No comment.

downing street memo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:40:54 -0800

Resume-filter: I'm a PR consultant, and for the last few years my job has primarily consisted of writing statements, press releases, blog posts etc. for my clients that invariably go out under someone else's name. Now I'm writing a cover letter - can I say that my work was "forward-facing"? Obviously I don't have "on-the-record" experience from this, since my writing went out under someone else's name. What's the best way to indicate that I wasn't writing internal memos - that my work actually saw the eyes of the public?

Pink Hair & Green Money

Juliet Banana — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:21:14 -0800

If potential employees find my Flickr page and find out I have pink hair, will it hurt my chances at getting a job? I'm moving to Chicago in a few months and am planning to dye my hair natural brown before I leave so that I'm looking all fly and professional for interviews.

However, I'm slightly worried that they're going to find the four thousand self-absorbed photos of me out there on the internet and go hire someone more normal looking.

Are they even going to find my Flickr page, or how can I keep them from doing so? Everyone always says potential employers find everything you've ever possibly posted to the internet. However, I'm not sure they actually will. Pretend my legal name is Juliet Banana Smith; searching the Juliet Smith (which I am using on resumes) doesn't bring up much, searching Juliet Banana brings up my Flickr site and every time it's ever been linked. Only a few applications require me to tell them my middle name.

Should I try to show them I'll be less weird looking? Katala suggested putting a photo of yourself on your cover letter here. It sounds kind of vain, but I was thinking of sending snail-mail follow ups to jobs I've applied to online to make it seem more personal anyway. I do have professional, well-lit, modest portraits of myself with normal hair.

Would you not hire someone because you found out they had pink hair? I'm fully aware of how shitty the economy is, and fashion is not worth unemployment. Preemptively dying my hair or disabling my Flickr account seems kind of extreme, but if that's the smart thing to do, I'll do it.

To whom it may concern:

pseudostrabismus — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:57:08 -0800

I'd like to see examples of great cover letters, please. In my experience applying for jobs, grants, and programs, I think most of my cover letters have been kind of lame- a little stiff, overly formal, and basically boring. But when I try to make them sound more "like me", they get gimmicky and annoying.

I'd like to read examples of excellent cover letters. I don't really care what type of job or program they're for. I'm not so much looking for advice like "keep it brief" or "use humour" or "write it on a pizza box!" Rather, I'm seeking actual examples of smart, clear, charming, and attention-grabbing cover letters that would easily land an application in the YES pile.

If you know of something online, please share links- and if you want to share a real letter you wrote or received, perhaps you could remove or alter any identifying details, and post it here. (Obviously I'm not looking to violate anyone's confidentiality.)

Thanks!

Oh yes, I've always been passionate about faxing...

thebazilist — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:10:14 -0800

How do I "express interest" in an administrative position without sounding like an idiot/liar (eg, I love faxing) or like I have aspirations above the position (which I do)? I'm applying for whatever-I'm-qualified-for positions in non-profits, preferably ones with an international-relations slant. I'm a few years out of college, no field-related internship or work experience, so I'm basically limited to administrative-oriented jobs, which I have experience in.

How do I express interest for a position that is essentially entry-level? Sometimes I understand from a job description that everyone knows that this position is a stepping-stone, and they ask candidates to demonstrate interest in whatever the mission of the organization is (which I can do). But sometimes they don't ask for this, and I worry that overstating my IR interests will over-qualify me for the position or make it obvious that I won't be in this job for the long haul.

I don't plan on leaving the job after six months, but I also would hope to have an option for promotion or transfer to something more in line with my interests. I might also might go back for my Masters sometime in the future. These really don't seem appropriate for a cover letter, especially one for a job that seems to display no interest in my interests. On the other hand, I feel silly pretending that my ultimate aspiration in life is to be a secretary, and can't really go into how much I look forward to filing and proofreading (or can I?).

What is the middle ground here?

How to get re-hired?

unsigned — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:28:22 -0800

What’s the best way to get re-hired by a company you left (in a different location, branch, area of work) for non-work related reasons and they were the last company you worked for? Job search/cover letter question. A friend had worked for a large international company when living in a different state. For reasons outside of work, he had to move and left the company, though on good terms. He’s been unable to find work in the new location and is considering moving to another location where his old company has a branch.

There is a job listed on their website that he is qualified for. The posting is a little out of date (September) and a Google search shows that it had been posted on job boards, but those listings are expired. It seems that perhaps they just don’t update their site as often as they should, although I suppose there is a slight chance the job is still open. There is no contact email or phone, probably because they are such a large company and would be inundated with questions (all the job postings on the boards say no phone calls please). Also, I don’t think he is able to call any former co-workers for help on this.

I’m thinking he should go ahead and apply for the job in one of two ways (or if any of you have a better suggestion):
1. Just assume the job exists since it still on their site and treat it as such, or
2. Express hope that the job is still open but acknowledge that the posting date is a few months old and then, as a former employee, express his general interest in rejoining the company and ask if they have something else that would fit his experience.

Also, I feel like both of these scenarios are a little out of the ordinary as far as cover letters are concerned. What would be a good way to write one of these up? They were the last place he worked so obviously they found his prior experience sufficient enough to hire him the first time and he could highlight what he did in his previous job with them to fill space, but of course it’s on his resume and they could look at whatever records they have on him.

I guess this is a (long) two-parter. Should he go with scenario 1 or 2 and in either case what’s the best way to structure the cover letter? (I did see some of the questions asking about cover letters for the same exact job, but this isn’t the same job, just the skills are fairly transferable, if that matters. Though I will be reading through them for inspiration.)

Thanks!

Resources for programming highly formatted documents?

Pontifex — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:51:58 -0800

Is there a solution for producing highly formatted documents programmatically, that is an alternative to ReportLab? ReportLab is a python library for creating highly formatted PDF documents.

It seems to be one of the only Open Source libraries / programs that can be manipulated programmatically to produce highly formatted documents.

I've already tried the macro interface to OOo and found it lacking (to put it lightly).

Are there other open source, or low cost solutions, that I can use to programmatically create a highly formatted document? Think writing letters, creating resumes, etc; When I say "highly formatted".

In relation to this question.

Thanks for your help.

--Pontifex

Looking for a way automate making custom resumes

Pontifex — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:15:15 -0800

Where can I find a service / program that would enable me to dynamically create resumes and cover letters? I use a method for fabricating cover letters and resumes.

I tailor my documents to match the jobs I'm applying for.

My method involves annotating my work history with phrases describing my work, my personal projects, my school experience, etc. I've stored common annotations in a large spreadsheet in order to reuse some of my previous work.

Everything relevant to the job is represented. This is the most successful method I've tried and I'd prefer to keep using it.

This process takes quite a long time to produce viable documents.

I'd like to automate the process.

I'm in the process of doing my own research and developing a scripting solution as an alpha method for automating the process. I want to know if this has been done before; To save me some time and trouble.

Thanks for your input.

How long is too long?

Four-Eyed Girl — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:18:28 -0800

I am applying for psychology instructor positions at community colleges and have lots of cover letters to write. What is an acceptable length for these cover letters? I've been told that I need to address each minimum/preferred/desired qualification, skill, & ability listed in the job descriptions in the cover letters. In doing so, my letters end up being 3 pages long, and this seems kind of long to me. Do letters this long get dismissed, or are letters several pages long acceptable in community college applications?

Looking for examples of genious cover letters

ilike — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:04:47 -0800

Help me find examples of great cover letters. I have been looking trough the internet and all the kind of books for help with my cover letter. The trouble is all i come up with resembles the standard boring business cover letter. I am applying for very competetive jobs so i need to stand out. An earlier metafilter post linked to this . I really like the tips it outlines and the recommended letter but need some more inspiration.

I should state again I look more fore example letters than general writing tips.

How do I best reapply to a job I really want ?

modernhypatia — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:16:17 -0800

Last October, I applied for a library job that I really want. In December, they sent me a nice letter saying they weren't hiring anyone right then, but might relist it in 2008, and if they did, please reapply. (There are some comments that suggest they liked my application quite a bit, but that might just have been a pleasant form letter.) They've now relisted the job: how do I put my best foot forward on the reapplication? Background: I'm a recently degreed librarian, looking for a MLIS requiring library job (I've been working as a paraprofessional since 2000.) This job is very much in my area of interest, and has a lot of other things going for it. I'm in Minnesota and so is the job, which is why I'm not sure whether the "not filling this right now" letter was a "please, please reapply, we really wanted you" or whether it was pleasantness said to everyone. (I'm a transplant: traditional Minnesotan understated politeness is something I'm not totally fluent in.)

I'm comfortable doing cover letters and all, but this situation is puzzling me a bit. My specific questions:

1) What's the best non-clunky and non-cheesy way to say "Hi, I'm reapplying, remember me!" that is neither stilted nor flippant? Does "I'm writing to express my ongoing strong interest in [full job title]. I applied last October and was encouraged to reapply if it were reposted." work? It feels really flat and insufficiently enthusiastic to me.

2) Obviously, I'm talking about mostly the same material: how much should I try to vary my initial cover letter? For anyone who's done hiring in this situation, did anything catch your eye the second time around? Turn you off?

3) I'm working for the month of January as a temporary librarian in very much the same kind of job I'm applying for (while the person normally in it is teaching elsewhere.) I'm inclined to put this (new to them) information right after my intro paragraph, rather than chronologically in the cover letter. Any reason I shouldn't?

4) This temporary job has had me working on a number of database guides that are very relevant to the job I'm applying for. I'd like to mention them in the cover letter, but am unsure how best to provide pointers (they don't have easy URLs). I'm leaning towards mentioning which guides, and assuming librarians can figure out how to find them, given the name of the school they're at, but should I/could I be more specific in a useful way?

5) My current resume is 1 page, but doesn't include this temporary job. It does include two non-library but geeky-skill related jobs (relevant to what I'm applying for.) Should I condense the non-library jobs to a single line or 1 sentence description, and keep the resume to one page, or is it okay to go to 2 pages? (The cover letter will almost certainly be 2 pages.)

Any other relevant advice is also quite welcome. Thank you!

Targeting Hiring Managers

gm2007 — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:48:44 -0800

Targeting Hiring Managers Through Online Professional Networks Using Linkedin, I have been able to identify by name hundreds of hiring managers and/or other HR types at companies for which I would like to work. With their name, and general location, it is likely that I can find an address where I can get these individuals a personally addressed cover letter and resume. What are some unique, but professional ways I could target these individuals. Would it be better to do a paper mailing, or try to contact them online through their Linkedin accounts?

Help me get off unemployment

saffry — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:41:37 -0800

How should I go about applying for two jobs at the same company? Should I write two cover letters sent a few days apart, or one? And should I express more interest in the job that looks more challenging, even though I'd be perfectly happy in either? Unfortunately, there isn't time to wait for a response from the first, and it's too small a job market to ignore one.

Best way to make an impression when sending a resume?

Becko — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:36:44 -0800

Best way to submit resume and samples? I am getting ready to apply for a ton of jobs I found on sites like monster.com and careerbuilder.com. I read through tons of questions on MeFi about writing cover letters, which helped a ton. Now I am going to implore you to help me with some more steps in my job search process.

Some of these jobs are going to require me to submit samples of some of my work. In a situation such as this, what is generally the best way to submit these? Should I send a single .pdf containing the cover letter, resume, and samples? In addition, when there is a request for samples, how many images would you send? I understand that they will look at my full portfolio later, but how many things should I send them so they can get an idea?

I want the more organized way to do this, but also the simplest way for the personal receiving the resume. I want to make the best impression possible.

How do I make them want me?

defreckled — Tue, 29 May 2007 09:21:19 -0800

I'm attempting to apply for a job/internship in a very unusual, creative field. I have as much training as I can get in this area without working as an apprentice or assistant, and that doesn't amount to much. So my question is, how do I get into an exclusive training program when it's impossible to have much prior experience or a portfolio without being in an exclusive training program? Of course one way is to enter the industry in another capacity and to work my way up from there, but before I try that I'd like to take one (or more) big hit at it from the outside.

So far I've sent CVs and cover letters and have received no response. When I've tried to call to speak directly with someone who works in the creative side of the field, I'm immediately redirected to HR who instructs me to send my CV and cover letter. bleh.

As I see it, my only (non stalker-like) way to have direct contact with one of the artists is to send a letter that will compel them to WANT to help me. I've drafted this letter a million times and most versions seem to revolve around my undying passion for the art and the greatness of the person I'm writing to. Each time I try to write the letter from my heart, but my heart must be a real brown-noser because the letters are so sappy and gushy that when I reread them, I'm not sure if I should puke or cry.

Maybe a letter is not the best idea. Maybe I'm just a terrible writer. Regardless, I desperately want to work in this field and will do anything to make that happen. I just don't have any ideas. Help! Help! Help!!!

I'm leaving, but I don't want them to know!

elquien — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:28:57 -0800

I'm looking for a new job, but my current employer doesn't know it. What's a good line to put in my cover letter to prospective employers that basically says "My employer doesn't know I'm leaving - please don't contact them," while not sounding sketchy or rude? I know that most employers know not to contact the current employer until they've been given the go-ahead, but my current employer is particularly vindictive, and will probably fire me if it finds out I'm looking. So I'm just looking for a line that will make it extra clear that they shouldn't contact my current employer.

Or is this rude and unnecessary?

How to write the best resume and cover letter for a computer programmer

Battlecat — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:40:48 -0800

I'm a computer programmer looking for a new job. What are some tips for writing the best resume and cover letter possible? Hiring managers and HR folk - What do you look for in a resume and cover letter?

Programmers/software engineers/IT people - What has worked best for you?

What are some good general guidelines for writng resumes and cover letters?

What are some guidelines that are specific to programmers?

Do you know of some good templates that I could follow?

Are there businesses that will help you write your resume?
Are they worth the money? Can you recommend any in the NYC/New Jersey/PA/CT area?

If you started out in a junior position, and then worked your way up to a higher position, how do you list your accomplishments at the company? Split them between the two positions, or merge them into one entry?

Toronto - looking for help with resume and cover letter

dobbs — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 18:36:14 -0800

Can anyone recommend someone in Toronto who can help with resume/cover letter stuff? I don't mean formatting and such... I've been self employed for 12 years and I'm sick to death of it. About 4 years ago I took an office job for 1 year (but kept my biz running on the side)... to get that job, I met with someone who interviewed me and looked at the job posting I was applying for and then 24 hours later had written me a cover letter and resume geared to that particular posting. It got me the interview and I nailed that.

I quit that job in 2003 and went back to fulltime for myself but I'm at the end of my rope. I hate my job and am sick of working just for cash. I have to find something more meaningful. In the past 4 months or so I've applied for about 10 jobs, all of which I'm qualified for (and a few which I'm severely overqualified for but that doesn't bother me), but I haven't gotten a single interview. It's driving me nuts.

I've never interviewed for a job that I didn't get an offer on but I'm having a hell of a time getting an interview now that I've been self employed so long and am pushing 40.

I can't find the person who did this thing for me before with the cover letter and resume and would like to do it again but I'm sure there are lots of people out there who suck at the job. Any personal recommendations for such a service?

(And, the person who did it before lived right on Gerrard near Regent Park--I think her name was Kelly and she worked from home. She used to advertise in NOW. If anyone knows this person, please let me know.)

What creates the best appearance?

zardoz — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 19:09:59 -0800

When applying for a job from, say, a newspaper or internet classified ad, should I send my resume with references, or should I wait until I'm asked for references? I'm thinking the former is better, though it can possibly hint at a bit of desperation to get the job. Also, should I write a cover letter as a separate Word doc, or just write it in the body of the email itself?

Sample query letters for freelance editing work

Siobhan — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 09:14:35 -0800

I am looking for examples of a cover/query letter you'd send for freelance work, to a company that is not currently advertising any positions. I am looking to expand my freelance editing business and want to send out some information to prospective clients. Amazingly, I have managed to do this work for eight years without ever having to send a single unsolicited letter -- I have been very lucky with networking. These letters are not to bid or apply for a specific project, but just to introduce myself and my business.

I do have a general sense of the goals of the letter and how it should be laid out, but I would find it really helpful to see the phrasing and structure of some actual letters. That is, I'm looking not for advice or tips (I've found plenty of those) but for the cover letters themselves. Ideally this information would be available online and would not require a trip to the bookstore/library. Thanks.

How do write a cover letter for the exact position I left two years ago?

ArsncHeart — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:34:07 -0800

How do write a cover letter for the exact position I left two years ago? I've seen this question and the other cover letter questions, but my circumstances are a bit different.

Three years ago, I held a job that I really loved, and worked there for a year. I left because I was accepted to a Master's Program halfway across the country. Now, two years later, I have my degree, and am moving back to the place I left. I've maintained contact with the people I used to work with, and it so happens that there have been some internal promotions, and my exact position is now open.

The people I worked with are encouraging me to apply for this position, and I am very interested in returning to the company, especially because it's a great place to work my way up in a career I would enjoy.

How do I write a cover letter applying for the exact same position I left two years ago? I obviously have the skills, as I did the job for a year. My co-workers and supervisors were all impressed with the quality of my work. I just want to convice these people that I'm not going to run off on them again - that I'm finally at the stage of my life where I want to commit myself long-term to a company that can offer me a good career.

Two for the price of one?

zardoz — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 04:00:10 -0800

In a cover letter, is it alright to mention interest in another similar opening in the same company? I'm applying to an ad from a newspaper, which directed me to the company's website. There's another position listed there that sounds as good as the original one I'm applying to. Is it cool to sneak into the cover letter something like "I would also be interested in the X position as well." Anyone got a job doing this?